The flagship of the Kia lineup, the three-row Telluride has been a big hit for the Korean brand since its 2020 debut. Unlike many new models, the popularity of the Telluride never waned, with sales increasing every year since its launch.
After spending the day driving the all-new 2027 Kia Telluride around Santa Barbara, California, I fully expect that sales trend will continue its upward trajectory.
While it still looks familiar, the Telluride benefits from a complete redesign for the 2027 model year. The midsize SUV is larger than its predecessor, adding 2.7 inches to the wheelbase and 2.3 inches in overall length. While it sticks with its traditional squared-off SUV shape, the flush door handles and smoother lines make the new Telluride 10 percent more aerodynamic while adding a more upscale look. The Telluride stands out with its bold new grille, vertical LED headlights and taillights, and unique LED running lights. Distinctive grill patterns help differentiate trim levels and hybrid vs. non-hybrid versions.
Like its Hyundai Palisade cousin, the Telluride is now available with a fuel-efficient and powerful hybrid powertrain. The 2.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine is teamed with two electric motors to produce 329 horsepower and 339 lb-ft of torque. That’s a healthy boost over the non-hybrid version, which uses the same internal combustion engine without electrification, delivering 274 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque.
According to the EPA, the Telluride Hybrid can get up to 35 mpg combined with front-wheel drive, 31 mpg with all-wheel drive. That’s a far cry better than the non-hybrid that comes in at 22 mpg combined. During my drive in the Telluride Hybrid, the trip computer showed 28.5 mpg, more than respectable for a three-row SUV.
Kia offers the Telluride (non-hybrid) in ten trim levels ranging from the LX ($40,735) to the X-Pro SX Prestige ($58,335). The five trims of the Telluride Hybrid start with the EX ($48,035) and top out with the X-Line SX Prestige ($59,135). All prices include the $1,545 destination charge.
(Full disclosure: Kia invited me to Santa Barbara, California, to experience the new Telluride, and covered my travel, meals, and lodging.)
Sliding inside the new Telluride, the clean, premium design is immediately evident. The dashboard features simple, horizontal lines that flow into the doors, creating a wraparound look, enhanced by available ambient lighting. The new steering wheel gives the cabin a more modern vibe, as do the updated dual 12.3-inch panoramic digital displays. With the gear selector moved to the steering column, the new center console has a more cohesive design with more storage space and dual wireless phone chargers. All Tellurides come standard with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the available Meridian premium sound system with 14 speakers puts out good sound.
The front seats are stylish and offer good support, and you can opt for the Relaxation Seats, which feature massagers and a power leg rest. The seats are comfortable, but the massage felt like a balloon inflating behind my back, which wasn’t very pleasing, so I turned it off. Leg rests were also a bit disappointing. They don’t rise very far – sure, they do offer some leg support, but it’s not like sitting in a La-Z-Boy.
The Telluride takes advantage of its larger dimensions with improved legroom in both rear seat rows. A bench seat is standard for second-row passengers on the non-hybrid LX and EX – all others come with the more comfortable captain’s chairs. Seats are available with heating and ventilation as well as power adjustment. Rear-seat passengers get dual USB-C ports, as well as a new storage cubby with a top tray that slides out from the back of the center console.
Access to the third row is easy with the power seats – push the button and the seat slides up and forward to create a wide entry space. However, I would prefer the quickness of manual operation – the power seat is quite slow to slide forward, and then return to its original spot. In pouring rain, I imagine that process will feel like it’s taking forever. Once in, the third row offers reasonable legroom for adults, but fitting three in the rear-most seat would be tight.
The larger Telluride also gets a bit more cargo space than its predecessor. The wide opening makes loading easy, and you can fit a few small bags behind the third row, thanks to its 21.3 cubic feet of space. Folding the third row is a simple process, which expands space to 47.7 cu-ft, and you get 88.3 cubic feet of room with the second row folded. The X-Pro also comes with a liftgate lamp and ground lighting, ideal if you’re setting up camp in the dark.
As a daily driver, the updated Telluride with its hybrid powertrain is a great option among three-row SUVs. Heading north out of Santa Barbara on a mix of freeways and country roads, the hybrid system performed seamlessly, and the operation was so smooth that without seeing the tachometer reading zero RPM, I wouldn’t have known when the gas engine was operating.
Unlike many hybrid models that use a continuously variable transmission (CVT), the 6-speed automatic in the Telluride hybrid delivers excellent response, and the big SUV gets moving off the line quickly with little hesitation. The hybrid’s bump in power over the non-hybrid turbo is quite noticeable, and the Telluride never felt lacking for performance. Overall, the ride is smooth and quiet, whether cruising at 70 mph on the freeway or motoring through town. Handling is reasonably good with decent steering response – more than adequate for most driving situations.
Perhaps the most significant update comes on the rugged Telluride X-Pro, which has considerably improved off-road capabilities. It’s now got 9.1 inches of ground clearance, off-road-tuned suspension, larger all-terrain tires, and recovery hooks in front and back that are both useful and stylish. You can also add a factory skid plate for extra protection.
Kia arranged a custom off-road course to put the X-Pro through its paces, featuring water fording, steep climbs and descents, rocky terrain, and moguls. I came away quite impressed – not only with its capability, but with the surprisingly comfortable ride. It is unfortunate that the hybrid powertrain isn’t offered with the X-Pro, but the non-hybrid engine provided good power with a smooth, predictable throttle – very helpful in off-road conditions.
Even with one wheel in the air, the Telluride never lost forward momentum, delivering a confident experience. The all-wheel drive system with the off-road tires provided good traction on steep climbs, and the hill-descent control worked well to maintain a steady speed on loose, downhill sections. The X-Pro features an off-road data display showing angles, tire pressure, and traction, and the new Ground View Monitor shows the way forward with the tires superimposed, making it easier to follow the trail over steep hills and around blind turns.
Whether you’re looking for a premium family cruiser or a ruggedly styled off-roader, the Kia Telluride is a great choice among three-row SUVs. Its extensive equipment list, spacious interior, and advanced tech features make it quite appealing, and the addition of the powerful and efficient hybrid powertrain is a big win.
[Images © 2026 Perry Stern/TTAC.com]
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